ARCHIBALD admits he used to skirt around the issue of training facilities when trying to lure a new player but reckons the new base at Garscube can be a selling point.

PARTICK Thistle manager Alan Archibald reckons their new training ground will help the Jags land the players who can make them an established Premiership club.

After decades of scraping around for places to work out every morning, Thistle have signed a deal with Glasgow University to take over their Garscube Sports Complex - close to Firhill - and Archibald believes the benefits will soon be obvious in the transfer market.

He said: “I’m sure it will help us in that regard. It’s a big plus having your own complex where everyone reports every morning.

“The system we had before was embarrassing and I’d skip round the fact when talking to potential signings. It could make the difference between someone deciding to sign or going elsewhere.”

Archibald also anticipates his players improving now there is no time limit on using the new facilities, including a gym and access to analysis by sports science students.

He added: “I’m delighted to be here. As soon as we heard this place was available we were desperate to get in.

“There is no end to how much easier this makes my job. Last season would put an extra hour on to my day, especially when we were doing double sessions and had to pack mini-buses and cars.

“We were asking players to travel to different locations in wet, soggy gear, using their own cars.

“Players had to travel in training gear and couldn’t do any extra work – someone would want to stay but the others in the car wanted to go. That’s what we were doing when I played for Thistle 15 years ago so it’s great to finally have a base.”

Thistle have replaced Kilmarnock – who have moved back to Rugby Park and their new artificial surface – at Garscube and ex-Killie defender Darren Barr has been training with them with a view to earning a deal.

Archibald said: “Darren is training with us and so is Karl Magnay from Gateshead. They’ll have the chance to earn something.

“We’ll be having a look at them and others over the next few weeks. We’re frustrated to have missed out on Lyle Taylor.

“We’re still trying to strengthen in that area but we also lost Aaron Taylor-Sinclair at left-back.”

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